In this post you will learn everything you could possibly want to know about the pivot in boxing. How to execute the pivot like a pro, when to use it and how to evolve your use of the pivot to make you a super-elite pivot aficionado. I guarantee that mastering the boxing pivot will unlock a smoothness in your boxing style that will blow you away, and the guidance and videos in this post will help you do that.
About the Pivot in Boxing
The pivot is one of those often overlooked boxing skills.
I think that the main reason that the boxing pivot is overlooked is that on the face of it the pivot is not a particularly eye-catching skill, at least not to the casual fight fan.
The pivot does not for instance offer the potential for an explosive end to a contest as does a short range left hook. The pivot doesn’t catch the eye in the same way that evading an attack by slipping punches or rolling punches can.
But the pivot is an incredibly versatile skill that can be used in all kinds of settings, defensive and offensive.
If there’s one thing I’d like this post to achieve it’s to prove to you that the pivot is the single most versatile skill that a boxer uses, providing elite-level opportunities to be used against any kind of opponent.
To get us started, here are 3 scenarios of the pivot being used in a fight:
Pivot Scenario #1 – Cancel Out Strength
You are up against a fighter who closes the ground very quickly and pulls you into a short-range battle. You’re not very comfortable and your opponent is very strong and powerful, looking to use strength to push you back. Using the pivot allows you to cancel out the strength of your opponent by deflecting their line of attack without you having to retreat. You are free to unleash short range shots without having to give way to your opponent’s greater strength.
Pivot Scenario #2 – Control the Ring
You’re taking on a boxer who’s supremely talented on the retreat but doesn’t offer the same threat on the front foot. You can attempt to chase your opponent down, cutting off the ring, but you are aware that by doing this you’ll be fighting to your opponent’s strength. So what do you do? You take the centre of the ring, maintaining your position by pivoting to follow your opponent, and you are ready for the inevitable attack when it comes. You are controlling your environment by using the pivot.
Pivot Scenario #3 – Defensive Mastery
You’re fighting on the back foot, with an opponent whose goal is to back you to the ropes and smash you to within an inch of your life. Given the intensity of your opponent’s attack, you are aware of the potential for this destructive goal being achieved. Solution? Every time you feel the ropes against your back, you combine a pivot with a duck and spin away from danger, leaving your opponent to punch fresh air.
I could go on, the options are wide-ranging to say the least.
For now I’ll assume that you are sold on the usefulness and versatility of the pivot in boxing and are now eager to know exactly how to execute this warrior’s stealth manoeuvre.
Check out the videos and other information and let me have your thoughts and questions on the pivot in the comments section.
The Mechanics of the Pivot in Boxing
All of these mechanics are explained from the orthodox stance. If you are southpaw, reverse them
Lead Foot Pivot to the Left
- From your boxing stance, push from your back foot (right) and allow your front foot to spin on it’s ball.
- The objective is to shift your baseline (the line from the toe on your front foot to the heel on your back foot) through 45 degrees. Your front foot rotates on the spot enabling your back foot to move across the the left. The stance is retained throughout the pivot and your bodyweight ‘falls’ onto your rear leg.
Lead Foot Pivot to the Right
- From your boxing stance, generate a spin of your front foot (counter clockwise) on the spot and allow the back foot to lift slightly.
- The same shift of 45 degrees takes place, only this time to the right. Again your body weight drops onto your rear leg.
Rear Foot Pivot to the Left
- From your boxing stance, drop your body weight onto your rear leg and generate a counter clockwise spin from the rear foot.
- Your front foot lifts slightly and moves across, a gain counter clockwise. Your boxing stance is maintained throughout the move.
Rear Foot Pivot to the Right
- From your boxing stance, push from your front foot towards your right
- Your rear foot should spin on the ball with the boxing stance being maintained throughout the execution of the pivot.
Common Faults When Executing the Pivot
- Don’t be flat-footed. The boxing pivot relies on the balls of the feet being engaged.
- When pivoting on the front foot, avoid your body weight tilting forward over your front leg. There is a real urge to do this, but shifting your body weight forward like that gives that weight to any incoming punches.
- Beginner boxers often don’t actually pivot on the front foot, it stays still whilst the rear foot moves. Don’t do this, you may well blow out your knee
- Always remember the importance of the integrity of your boxing stance. If it gets out of shape during the pivot, adjust and fix it.
Evolving Your Use of the Pivot in Boxing
Drills for the Boxing Pivot
Boxing drills instil boxing skills.
Always make room in your boxing training for drills. The pivot is no different than any other boxing skill – it needs to be improved by boxing drills and practiced in shadow boxing and heavy bag work.
This video gives you 3 roads of guided being drills to help you build a high level of competence in using the front foot pivot.
Boxing Pivots and Micro Adjustments
We have covered a general 45 degree boxing pivot. You can go further, 90 degrees for example. But you can also make the movements smaller.
I’m a big fan of micro moves. Subtle adjustments to change your position and angle to the opponent. The pivot is a great skill for micro adjustments.
Check out this video for more on the pivot but also on working some micro adjustments.
Boxing Pivot vs Angled Side Step
A good question to ask is how does the pivot compare to the angled side step?
Both are great skills and you should spend time mastering them.
In short, here are the differences (the video explains in more depth):
The angled side step:
- It is used mostly during offensive work
- Against a static opponent you can ‘fix and fire’
- You can punch before and after, but not really during
- It is most effective at long range but a variation can be used at close range
- When at close range it is effective against an opponent with an opposing boxing stance (for example southpaw vs orthodox)
The pivot:
- The pivot can be used at all ranges
- The pivot can be used in both offensive and defensive settings
- Punches can be thrown before, during and after
- The pivot is supremely effective in defensive scenarios.
So there you have it, the boxing pivot.
Learn the pivot well, work all the scenarios and get it smooth and controlled.
I would love to get your questions and comments below.
Cheers
Fran
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Wow! Thanks coach for this amazing channel. I have a question, I hope I can write it down clearly. Let’s say I am boxing a orthodox boxer like me, and he is coming forward at me, if I just pivot to my left in this way you showed us I will not be in the best place also I could run to his right hand, So I think it is better if you took a small step with your lead foot to the side and do the pivot, I am right?
Hi Ali
I may have answered already via YouTube. The pivot left is super-effective against both stances. Doing it with a long lead left hook really helps – ‘offensive defense’ almost. But yes, you can definitely to a small step across also, works well.
I learned pivots from the position of a clock, quarter pivots, pivoting on the ball of my forward foot. If executing an entire 180° pivot or also known as a weak side or strong side rear pivot, always keeping movement short and feet gliding least amount distance from the mat, unless you like the taste of mat… Keep your balance and keep movement quick and short as possible… Shuffling as I was taught in the military boxing program many years ago. So I many fighters don’t want to do the uncool and unsexy things like footwork! I had a boxing coach in high school who made us ballroom dance for a few weeks, believe it or not it does wonders for foot work!
This is possibly the most easily understandable breakdown of a fundamental basic that I’ve ever encountered. Thank you! 😁
Thanks Jay, appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment👍
Hey Fran, how are you?
In your opinion, do you believe that a wide stance is bad for movement? I’ve heard many people say that a wide stance is bad for movement, you won’t be as quick and pivoting will be harder. They say that a narrow stance under your shoulders is best and will pivot better yet I see many pro boxers using a wide stance and their movement from the wide stance is beautiful. (I also see that you prefer a wide stance yourself.)Is this just a myth that movement is harder out of a wide stance? Or is there some truth to this?
Hi Leonard, sorry for the delay. I think you can vary the stance width. There is of course too wide just like there is too narrow…I think too narrow is a lot worse. So yes, I like a wider stance.
Very informative and wise. Appreciate!!
Thank you Grant, glad it struck a chord!
Hello, great article!
I have a really dumb question about this. How to use pivot foot rotation in an offensive situation? When I try it I end up sideways to the oponent, my opponent imeadiatly sidesteps to my back punishing me. The only way I see is to pivot foot and then side step so you can cut the ring. What are your thoghts on this?
Thanks again!
Not a dumb question Leandro
Not a skill you can do whilst actually moving forward. However, at mid/close range you can do the quick pivot to your lead hand side WITH a lead hand hook and follow it immediately with a back hand hook. Don’t use it at long range unless the opponent is attacking.
Hope this helps.
So it that mean pivot are best used in defense situation ? Combine the step & pivot to make a good combination rather than just one? By the way, i didnt see the rear leg use the ball of the foot raise up,is it not necesscary? Since it able to balance the stance isnt it? Pardon me im just join in so not very clear.So thats why im still seeking a answer.
Hi there
Pivot is really good to use against an attacking opponent and it’s good up close too.
The back foot should scrap the floor, not lift totally.
Hope this helps.
Thought I’d chip in here, just found this site and its very useful, well done for all the hard work. I just wanted to share something that I talk about when coaching defensive techniques. I talk about positive and negative defenses.
Negative defense being one that moves you out of range, BUT does not set you up to throw any effective counter. eg step out.
Some defenses are positive, i.e. slip, pivot. You defended your self by moving out of the line of contact but are still in range and therefore able to land an effective counter.
So whilst the pivot is still primarily a defensive move, it is a positive defense and can lead to an effective offensive move.
Excellent contribution Dave, thanks for taking the time.
Similar concept to ‘passive’ and ‘active’, but I like the ‘negative’ description – it instills that idea that excessive use of such defences will not help the boxer win bouts – positive is the way to go.
Thanks again mate, always good when other coaches contribute as I know for a fact that site users really benefit.
Just found the site, it’s excellent. Well done.! One thing about the pivot though. Thinking about the most common scenario of Orthodox vs orthodox fighter. Pivoting to your left, no issue. But pivoting to the right, is there a potential issue with you physically banging into your opponent or just getting too close whilst executing the pivot? Looking around the internet I’ve seen some people addressing this issue by moving their left foot to the right a small distance and then executing the pivot to the right as normal. What are your views on this? Hope my question makes sense.
Good question Tony. You’re right, it all depends on range. At long range there is no risk of the clash. Depending on the subtle dynamics at close range you might want to look at the stance switch (even thought he pivot can also work). Hope this helps mate, and thanks for the compliments, well appreciated 🙂
FRAN–this is something else…
You’re heart to share wisdom is no doubt a blessing from God.
You’re a beast.
hahaha
Thanks, glad it helps. 🙂
YOU ARE AMAZING FRAN! THANK YOU SO MUCH
OK, let’s take a orthodox boxer. He (she) uses the left hand to jab and the right hand as the power punch. So the stance is that the left hand and left foot is forward. When the right hand is thrown, the body is turned (twisted) as the right hand punch is extended by twisting on the “sesamoid” of the right foot (this is the big bone right beneath the big toe). Thus, adding more power to the punch as it is coming from the chest or chin area and it should be executed in a straight line. The twisting of the right for to allow the body to be put into the punch is called “pivoting” into the punch. The left hand throws the hooks… the left foot pivots into the the hook to give it more power.
OK, thanks Robert.
I think we will need to agree to disagree. To me you are describing one of the mechanical movements of any back hand punch i.e. an explosive thrust off the back foot (I coach no pivot of the foot, front or back). I would call it a thrust-rotate-punch. You seem to be calling it thrust-pivot-rotate.
Nice discussion though, thanks.
Interesting video. However, I notice that he uses the term “pivot” to what is widely known as “side stepping”. i.e. he is not showing how to pivot but instead demonstrating one way of side stepping. To pivot is something different as it is used to increase the power of a punch.
Hey Robert, thanks for the comment. I demonstrate sidestepping in this video. I would also class diagonal movement as sidestepping (there are videos on diagonal movement too. The skill in this video is how I coach the pivot, a key distinction being that the front foot remains in the same spot.
Could you expand a little on your definition on the pivot, I’m interested to try and understand.
Thanks Robert
Having problem with pivoting i am ending up in square position after pivoting a lot or my feet are in line.. any drill to prevent this
Righen. It sounds like the front foot is not ‘spinning’ on it’s ball as it should be. Really focus on dropping the weight back and allow a true ‘spin’.
I just now read all that craperoo the posters sent in. Today’s ignorance of boxing history is appalling. Just look up the history of the NonPareil Jack Dempsey-George LaBlanche fight and you’ll read all about the real pivot punch and why it was made illegal. I couldn’t stop laughing at the seriousness of the demonstrator in the video. He didn’t know what a pivot punch was either.
As I recall when reading the description of the original first use of this punch, LaBlanche suddenly pivoted in a complete reverse turn with his arm and fist held straight out. Dempsey was taken completely by surprise. Bingo.
Hi Austin.
Thanks for your comment and the history lesson that came with it. Most interesting.
However, the demonstration that I have given covers a footwork move; the pivot. It is not the ‘pivot punch’. You see, this video is not intended to be a history lesson. It is intended to convey the mechanics of a specific skill performed in modern boxing.
Lost in translation maybe.
Thanks Austin
I’m afraid you don’t know boxing history. The “pivot punch” was first used by a boxer named George La Blanche against NonPareil Jack Dempsey sometime in the 1880s or 1890s.. I used to read about it many years ago when a youth. It is a sudden spinning backhander, of the kind they seem to use in some MMA. It KO’d Dempsey, but they judged it was illegal so he didn’t lose his title.
THAT’S what the “Pivot Punch” is…. All that nonsense in the video is just that.
Alright there coach. I’ve spent some frustrating days in front of the mirrors trying to nail down this seemingly simple manoeuvre. I’m a southpaw so when I pivot to my left I’m pushing off my front foot (right foot ) the problem is that I can’t maintain the stance. If I pivot without throwing any shots I can keep the stance pretty well but if I pivot and throw shots the stance goes to pieces. What I find myself doing is pulling the lead foot back rather than actually pivoting off the ball of my front foot in order to keep the stance. Any ideas? Or is it just keep working on it? I do pivot quite well to my right as long as I take fairly small steps.
Hello Chris.
Nothing to worry about. When you are pivoting to your left you are better throwing the shot at the start and/or the end of the pivot. Throwing the shot during the pivot is very awkward unless you are at short range. Pivoting to your right allows your to work the lead hand during the pivot, not so well the back hand.
Hi Fran!
Such high quality tuition as always.
I really love going on the retreat against an aggressive rushing opponent and using the pivot in combination with a long range lead hook, I got the idea from you in another article (im a southpaw vs orthodox fighters)
This works a treat on fighters with less reach than me as I can connect to their head and they cant reach my head.
The only problem ive found is Im not sure how to use this method against aggressive fighters with longer arms than mine, because I cant long range pivot lead hook their head but they can come forward and jab /cross my head or if they miss due to my pivot I cant land on their head, only their gloves/arm at best.
Should I scrap that cuban boxing trick for longer ranged fighters or am I doing it wrong?
If I were you Dan I’d draw the lead with a lead hand feint then fire the shot and pivot instantly. Many assume that because you give height and reach away your only option is to get in close. Not true in my opinion. Get smart with feints at long range and you can remove their reach advantage. I’m sure that will work well for you.
Hi Fran
As a southpaw I think this is one of the most effective tools in my arsenal. Because of the relative position of lead feet and the way that the jabs nullify one another it is a great way to set up an angle for a counter right hook over my opponent’s lead. I often feint with the jab, anticipate their left jab, side step and then pivot to my right and shoot a long range right hook over their jab. It doesn’t always land, but it puts me in great position to attack their exposed left side.
I have to admit, though, I don’t often pivot off to the left. As a southpaw I feel that it would direct me towards a right cross. Are there any circumstances in which pivoting left would be appropriate against an orthodox boxer?
Thanks
Matt
Hey Matt
Sorry for the delay.
You’re right to be cautious using the pivot to your left against a southpaw for exactly the reason you state. Using it at short range doesn’t pose the same risk though.
Great article, working on pivots (both sides) is very important …for me a very underrated part of footwork; watch Pernell Whitacker and his near perfect pivoting to his right ….and hooking and jabbing his opponent through the universe
I love your lessons
regs from Vienna
Eric
Thank you Eric.
Nice tip for people to watch Sweet Pea, he was a true artist.
i need some advice you see i love boxing and been watching for quite some years now i decided to actually start boxing i have different styles in mind but which stance should i go with thats my question? i am a right handed fighter so i should fight orthodox but i feel comfortable in my southpaw position and i am having problems to decide please can someone reply and guide me to some help break it down for me plus whats the big deal with soutpaws people allways seem to favorite them over the orthdox? everyone has weakness’s wether your a soutpaw or a orthodox but people allwasy seem to brag about the soutpaws whats it so special about? i might be a switch fighter but still need a dominant stance please anyone got any ideas that would be helpfull thanks alot
Hi Ali
thank you for the question. If you are right handed then box out of the orthodox position. Why not sign up for the site newsletter on the main page (http://www.MyBoxingCoach.com). You’ll be able to get a copy of the report Southpaw V Orthodox Explained! There’s lots of information in that about this exact issue.
Thanks Ali.
One easy way I can see using this is pretty simple- opponent jabs, slip to the outside of said jab, pivot and throw a full blown hook to the target of choice.
That’s a good approach Dave. You could even draw that opponent’s jab with a feint or your own jab. Simplicity is a fine thing in boxing.
The pivot is a a fundamental skill, very effective unless it becomes a pattern, in which case it can be “predicted” and intercepted with stunning effect – Wlad Klitschko against Chris Byrd for example. On the other hand, a well timed pivot with a left hook counter – Mayweather against Ricky Hatton – would be a textbook maneuver, the famous “check hook”. Some say that pivot punches are illegal in boxing, but “the pivot punch” that was banned was the spinning back fist, what could be wrong with a legal punch after or during the pivot you demonstrated?
Hi Ivan. Good comment.
The pivot punch is absolutely legal in boxing, and in fact is a highly regarded and effective skill. As long as the shot lands correctly (i.e. knuckle part of the glove), then it’s legal. The back hand I think was banned because of the potential for causing cuts because of the stitching of the glove.
I was going to put together an article on the belief of many that body shots are not scored in modern amateur boxing. I think that your clever comment may very well have expanded the scope of that article.
Thanks Ivan
great post thanks
Yes, I definitely noticed that your pivots were 45 degrees instead of a full 90 as I think I have usually been instructed. I think a full 90 is rarely done in practice though, and the inclusion of kicks makes it even more difficult to escape when backed against the ropes.
The clinch throw Lerdsilla used is a combination of pulling back and pivoting that is fairly unique to Muay Thai.
The longer range “pull and pivot” is as you suggest, augmenting their commitment to forward motion. Is there a regulation in boxing that would prohibit this technique? Off-balancing and then striking an opponent is rated pretty highly by the judges in Thailand, though not so much in the states.
There are quite strict rules regarding holding an opponent; in amateur boxing it’s not tolerated at all and the boxer will be disqualified after maybe 1 verbal and 2 official warnings (point deductions). The use of a feint when backed to the ropes can often make an opponent over-commit, thereby enhancing the effects of the 90 degree pivot (and the subsequent opportunities provided). The 45 degree pivots are used extensively during infighting and are more subtle but no less effective. Excellent observation of comparisons, thanks very much for your invaluable input!
I think pivoting is pretty widely used in both mma and muay thai for similar reasons, although your movement looks especially economical. I will work to emulate that.
Pivoting while clinching is a pretty critical technique in muay thai (though not seen as much in mma). At outer clinch range, pivoting while cross-pushing on the back of the opponent’s head is an effective way to evade a rushing opponent while throwing them significantly off balance. In close range clinch work, pivoting is also used to off balance the opponent. If done with the right timing, they will find themselves diving straight to the floor.
Good examples of both of these techniques can be seen in a recent mt fight in Thailand. Check at about 8:46 and 11:50. You can’t quite see the footwork, but you can infer it from the sharp twist in Lerdsilla’s hips: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbqf0g_singdam-kiat-moo-vs-leudsila-chumpe_sport
I’d like to work on using pivoting more defensively to deal with very aggressive opponents (my weakness). A jab-pivot/cross is one of my staple offensive techs.
I’d love to see more footwork posts, but everything you do is interesting and helpful.
Nice exmple of the use of the pivot in Muay Thai. Interesting to note that both examples of the pivot involved full 90 degree spins, and the fight was pretty much in the centre of the ring. A boxer is more likely to use the full 90 degree pivot when backed to the ropes because when the opponent knows that you can’t retreat any further, then the attack is likely to be more committed/aggressive leaving the attacker vulnerable to the pivot. In both your examples, Lerdsilla ‘pulls’ his opponent toward him, I guess that this recreates the attacking commitment of the boxer. Interesting parallel.